What medications can you not take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Medications While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the dilemma of managing their health while ensuring the safety of their infants. While many medications are considered safe, there are specific drugs that should be avoided due to potential risks to the nursing baby.
Medications to Avoid
1. Opioids: Medications such as codeine and oxycodone are particularly concerning. The FDA has issued warnings against the use of codeine in breastfeeding mothers because it can lead to severe side effects in infants, including excessive sleepiness, difficulty breastfeeding, and even respiratory distress or death. This risk arises from the way some individuals metabolize codeine into morphine, which can then be passed through breast milk.
2. Certain Antidepressants: While many antidepressants are deemed safe, some, particularly those in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may pose risks. For instance, paroxetine has been associated with potential adverse effects in breastfed infants, and mothers are often advised to consult healthcare providers for alternatives.
3. Chemotherapy Drugs: These medications are generally contraindicated during breastfeeding due to their potent effects and the potential for serious harm to the infant. The excretion of these drugs into breast milk can lead to significant health risks for the baby.
4. Radioactive Isotopes: If a breastfeeding mother requires treatment involving radioactive isotopes, she is typically advised to stop breastfeeding for a specified period to prevent radiation exposure to the infant.
5. Certain Herbal Supplements: Some herbal products can also be harmful. For example, St. John’s Wort, commonly used for depression, can affect milk supply and may have adverse effects on the infant.
General Guidelines for Medication Use
Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to consult healthcare providers before taking any medication. It is crucial to only use medications that have been prescribed by a doctor who is aware of the mother’s breastfeeding status. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications should also be approached with caution; while many are safe, some can have unintended effects.
Conclusion
Navigating medication use while breastfeeding requires careful consideration and consultation with healthcare professionals. While many medications are safe, certain drugs, particularly opioids, some antidepressants, chemotherapy agents, and radioactive substances, should be avoided to protect the health of the nursing infant. Always prioritize open communication with healthcare providers to ensure both maternal health and infant safety.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

What drugs can be passed through breast milk?

Most drug molecules, including alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, are small enough to enter milk. Exceptions are drugs with high molecular weights such as heparins and insulin.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

ANSWER: Only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to breastfed babies. In general, antineoplastics, drugs of abuse, some anticonvulsants, ergot alkaloids, and radiopharmaceuticals should not be taken, and levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and lithium should be monitored.

What are unsafe drugs in breastfeeding?

ANSWER: Only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to breastfed babies. In general, antineoplastics, drugs of abuse, some anticonvulsants, ergot alkaloids, and radiopharmaceuticals should not be taken, and levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and lithium should be monitored.

Which of the following should be avoided by a lactating mother?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

What medications affect milk supply?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

What medicine dries up breast milk?

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma. Take Benadryl as directed on the package.

What negatively affects breast milk supply?

Supplementing with formula
However, supplementing with formula for multiple feedings every day (such as while the baby is at daycare) or releasing breast milk only when the baby wants to nurse tells your body that it doesn’t need to produce as much milk. Consequently, your supply will begin to decrease.

What not to take while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.